Who Created NEAR Protocol: A Comprehensive Look at the Network‘s Founding Team and Backers369

Introduction

NEAR Protocol is a blockchain platform that aims to provide fast, secure, and scalable transactions. It has gained significant attention in the cryptocurrency community for its innovative approach to blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize various industries.

Who Created NEAR Protocol?

NEAR Protocol was co-founded by Alexander Skidanov and Illia Polosukhin in 2018. Skidanov, a former Google software engineer, is the CEO and lead architect of NEAR. Polosukhin, a serial entrepreneur and investor, is the chairman of the NEAR Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the development and growth of the NEAR ecosystem.

Early Beginnings and Funding

The NEAR project was initially known as Near Inc. and was initially funded through a seed round in 2018 that raised $15 million from notable investors such as A16z, Pantera Capital, and Coinbase Ventures. In 2020, NEAR raised an additional $21.6 million in a Series A funding round led by Three Arrows Capital.

Team Expansion and Development

As the NEAR project progressed, the team expanded to include experienced engineers, researchers, and developers. Key team members include:
* Eric Cheng: Chief Scientist and co-author of the NEAR whitepaper
* Marieke Flament: Chief Operating Officer and former executive at Amazon and Uber
* Josh Daniels: VP of Growth and former head of marketing at Airbnb and Uber

With a strong team in place, NEAR continued to develop its technology and ecosystem, launching its mainnet in April 2020.

NEAR Foundation

The NEAR Foundation was established in 2020 as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the growth and adoption of the NEAR Protocol. The foundation provides funding, resources, and support for developers, community initiatives, and ecosystem partners. It also plays a role in governance and community development.

Backers and Partners

NEAR Protocol has attracted the support of a wide range of backers and partners, including:
* Venture capital firms: A16z, Pantera Capital, Three Arrows Capital
* Exchanges: Binance, Coinbase, FTX
* Blockchain companies: Chainlink, The Graph, NEAR Foundation

These partnerships and endorsements have contributed to the growth and credibility of the NEAR ecosystem.

Conclusion

NEAR Protocol was founded by Alexander Skidanov and Illia Polosukhin, with a team of experienced engineers and executives. The project has received significant funding and support from venture capital firms, exchanges, and blockchain companies. The NEAR Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and adoption of the NEAR ecosystem. With a strong team, innovative technology, and a dedicated foundation, NEAR Protocol is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the blockchain industry.

2024-11-22

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